2006 Polaris RANGER XP Review: Early Utility UTV Tested

The 2006 Polaris RANGER XP was built primarily for work, hunting and practical transportation, but its 40-horsepower twin-cylinder engine also gave it enough performance for recreational trail riding. In this period review, we look back at the machine’s three-person seating, substantial cargo capacity and handling away from the jobsite.

The RANGER XP represented the work-focused side of the early UTV market. It was more at home hauling equipment around a farm, carrying hunters into the backcountry or working around a property than attacking dunes at high speed.

That did not prevent owners from using the RANGER recreationally. Its 683cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, electronic fuel injection and on-demand all-wheel drive made it a versatile machine by the standards of the era.

For a broader look at the current and historical lineup, visit our Polaris RANGER models, reviews and buying guide.

Three-Person Bench Seating

One of the RANGER XP’s defining features was its bench seat. While most early side-by-sides were built for two occupants, Polaris designed the RANGER to carry as many as three people from the factory.

The upright seating position worked well for utility use and made entering and exiting the cab relatively easy. Its approximately 34-inch seat height also placed occupants higher than in sportier machines such as the Yamaha Rhino and the original Polaris RZR.

That higher seating position provided a commanding view from the cab, although it also contributed to a taller center of gravity. Drivers needed to respect the RANGER’s utility-oriented handling and avoid treating it like a low-slung sport UTV.

A Large, Work-Focused UTV

At 113 inches long, 60 inches wide and 75 inches tall, the RANGER XP was a substantial machine for its time. Its overall footprint was closer to an Arctic Cat Prowler than the smaller Yamaha Rhino or Polaris RZR.

The dry weight was listed at 1,185 pounds, but the chassis was engineered to carry a serious workload. Polaris rated the cargo box for 1,000 pounds, total vehicle payload at 1,500 pounds and hitch towing capacity at 1,750 pounds.

Those numbers explain the RANGER’s appeal on farms, ranches and large properties. The 13-cubic-foot tilting cargo box could carry tools, firewood, feed and other equipment that would overwhelm many recreation-focused UTVs.

Engine and Drivetrain

Power came from a 683cc liquid-cooled Polaris twin-cylinder engine producing a claimed 40 horsepower. Electronic fuel injection was an important feature for the period, providing easier starting and more consistent operation across changes in temperature and elevation.

The engine was paired with Polaris’ automatic PVT continuously variable transmission. The transmission provided high and low forward ranges plus reverse, while switch-activated on-demand all-wheel drive supplied additional traction when conditions became difficult.

With a claimed top speed near 50 mph, the RANGER XP was quicker than its work-focused design might suggest. Its suspension and tall seating position still encouraged a measured driving style, especially across uneven terrain or when carrying a load.

Trail and Recreational Use

The RANGER could handle general trail riding and casual trips in the dunes, particularly for owners who valued passenger and cargo capacity over aggressive performance. It was not designed to corner, jump or absorb rough terrain like a dedicated sport UTV.

Suspension travel measured 8 inches at the front and 9 inches at the rear. Combined with 11 inches of ground clearance and 26-inch radial tires, that was enough for moderate trails, farm roads and uneven working terrain.

The period aftermarket offered plenty of RANGER equipment, although most products emphasized utility. Snowplows, winches, racks, windshields and cab accessories were far more common than long-travel suspension systems or competition parts.

Occupant Restraints and Safety

The original RANGER XP used lap belts. Owners should use the factory restraints as designed and should not install a multi-point harness without considering the complete occupant-protection system.

A harness requires suitable mounting locations, proper geometry, compatible seats and adequate rollover protection. An improperly installed harness can create additional injury risks. Any restraint or rollover-protection modifications should be selected and installed by a qualified professional.

2006 Polaris RANGER XP Specifications

Specifications are period manufacturer figures and may differ by configuration or market.

2006 Polaris RANGER XP Review Summary

The 2006 RANGER XP was not a pure sport machine, but that was never its purpose. Its strengths were its three-person bench seat, enormous cargo-box rating, useful towing capacity and ability to move between work and recreational duty.

For farms, hunting camps and property maintenance, it offered an impressive combination of capacity and performance. It also helped establish the formula that would make the Polaris RANGER family one of the most recognizable utility UTV lineups in the industry.

More 2006 Polaris RANGER XP Photos